No, you were right, it is poisoning.
But it's not just chemicals. The United States has different versions of many food products=, because they put cheaper and unhealthier ingredients that other countries.
U.S. companies will make versions with cheaper ingredients than those for Canada and Mexico. So, apparently, we are inferior to people from Canada and Mexico.
I do agree with the crap in our foods (and the modified foods), as something is definitely short-circuiting Americans regarding their health. Lots of potential culprits!